The club announced agreements Saturday morning with the five remaining previously unsigned players on their 40-man roster: pitchers Francisley Bueno, Louis Coleman, Aaron Crow, Luis Mendoza and Guillermo Moscoso.

The $79 million estimate contains some roster projections, such as veteran infielder Miguel Tejada breaking camp with the club, and accounts for pitchers Felipe Paulino and Danny Duffy opening the season on the disabled list.

The opening day payroll for players on the active roster and disabled list is the industry’s most common measuring stick – although it is not necessarily the most accurate reflection of a club’s financial obligations.

Major League Baseball prefers to use the cost of the entire 40-man roster at the end of the season. Current projections put the Royals at roughly $82 million for that cost, although it is subject to change through personnel moves such as trades.

The club’s previous record for an opening day payroll was $70.5 million in 2009. The Royals opened last season at $60.9 million and finished the season at $68.6 million for their 40-man payroll.